Graduation ’15 Part III: Final Remarks

"You are young only once so don’t fear the adventure. At the end, you'll find out that the things you feared were actually nothing special." Chaewon Lee

We tend to moan in agony when asked about our days in high school, saying that it was a hectic time filled with academic burdens – the all too familiar banal hardships. Yet we all know that it would be a lie that cherishable moments didn’t constitute our time at KIS at all. The graduates of Class of 2015 bring the good times into perspective as they reflect on their younger years and light-hearted moments of bliss that have been commonly overlooked.

Chaewon Lee

It’s been almost 8 years since I came to attend Korea International School from the States. As I was transitioning from a timid middle school student to a high school student, there were uncountable parts that I worried about. But as I was meeting old and new companions from this school, I found out that nothing was new. You are young only once so don’t fear the adventure. At the end, you’ll find out that the things you feared were actually nothing special. Also, do not forget to cherish the moment. Do not waste time thinking about your future all the time. You should be feeling grateful of what you are doing at present life. I’ll miss every little bits of KIS: from awkward skybridge encounters to elevators at the back side of the G building. But mostly, my friends who always stayed beside me whenever I had difficult times in either human relationships or academics. Although I have to admit that only few will stay in touch with me after the graduation, I want to thank the Class of 2015 for bearing with me. I personally want to recognize Soohyun Kim (’15) and Dain Lee (’15) for the best memories. Even if each of us had different philosophies, we, at last, finished on the same line. In the end, friends are true presents in your high school life. I want to thank and congratulate the Class of 2015!

John Park

I’m going to miss the people more so than anything else. Over the nine years that I’ve been a part of this community, I’ve made countless memories and valuable friendships, some of which I’ve been maintaining for all nine years. Although a new beginning awaits in college, thinking about how I’ll be leaving my second home and my friends gives me this wretched sensation. Perhaps, this is what you call bittersweet. I’ll truly miss the spontaneous visits to the zoo, long bike rides to Incheon, the Busan trip, overseas MUN conferences, EOW book club meetings, and, not to mention, SLC gaming at 10:30 PM. Without doubt, the memories and bonds I’ve made throughout my stay at KIS will always remain as a significant part of my life. I still remember in 4th grade, Joseph and I made bets on who would read the most books in a month. In 5th grade, sadch and I were soccer fanatics who would practice after school everyday even with intimidating high schoolers. In 7th grade sonch, jeongs, and I would meet up, say we’re working on Chinese projects, and end up just messing around. In 9th grade, I recall being with my XC teammates on the trunk of the van, soaked wet from running in the rain during the Guam race. Now looking back, wow… it’s been quite a long journey. For these past three years, I was always in the crowd congratulating the previous seniors on their graduation. It sure does feel weird now that it’s my turn to step onto the stage and shake Mr. Drakes’ hand. I’ll miss you, KIS.

Jessica Um

This past year has marked my 9th and final year at Korea International School. The most valuable part of high school that I will be taking away as I transition into college will be the countless relationships I’ve built up with different students and teachers. The tight community at KIS has allowed me to learn and grow so much from the people I have had the privilege of being surrounded by, and I will be forever grateful to call myself a proud Phoenix. I hope you will too cherish and make the most out of the moments you have left in KIS. Good luck and most importantly, always have fun!

Eric Kwon

They’re too many memories to say which one was the best. So in short, I’m going to miss all my upperclassmen and underclassmen during my basketball seasons, my cafe sessions in Bundang, my road trip squad and my bi-yearly trips to Seoul.

Philip Bae

You know how when you go off to college, you don’t receive much opportunity to join sports since it’s too competitive? That’s why I’m going to miss bonding with my teammates.

Daniel Suh

As a person who is relatively younger compared to students in my grade, I often felt I like I was more comfortable with the underclassmen. We had so many things in common that we were able to predict how each other felt and expect how others would act. This relationship I had with the underclassmen significantly helped me throughout the school year and gave me unforgettable memories that I will miss forever.

Certainly, it’s hard to admit that high school’s over and college looms only months ahead, but what more can be done than to be thankful of the memories?

To the graduates: Blueprint wishes the best of luck on your upcoming journey, expresses gratitude for sharing your innocent recollections, and congratulates you on enduring high school with grace. To the underclassmen: hold dear the days that you take for granted, since time will buzz by without you being conscious of its agility.

With the school year coming to an end and academics coming to a slight cease, it is reckoned that we take a break to look back and appreciate what we had, or what we still have. Who knows? These moments may never come again.